Popular Saltwater Fish Species for your Aquarium
Here are some of the most popular saltwater fish species that are commonly kept in aquariums, each with unique characteristics and care requirements.
A common rule of thumb for how many marine fish you can keep in an aquarium is to allow 1 inch of fish per gallon of water; however, this can vary depending on the specific fish species and their size, with reef tanks generally requiring even more space per fish due to their larger waste output and need for swimming room.
Barhead Spinefoot
Zebra Dartfish
Scissortail Dartfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly inhabiting reef slopes, lagoons, and sandy rubble areas. Recognizable by its slender body, pale bluish-grey coloration, and distinct black fins. Peaceful and shy nature, often observed hovering in open water above reefs or...
Yellowhead Jawfish
Overview Found in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea. Known for their bright yellow head and elongated body. They have a large mouth and are often seen hovering near their burrows. Yellowhead jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of...
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Spotted Hawkfish
Valentini Puffer
Caribbean Sharpnose Puffer
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
Starry Pufferfish
White-Spotted Pufferfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
Foxface Rabbitfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Coral Rabbitfish
Blue Gudgeon
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, frequently found over sand and rubble substrates near reefs. Distinctive slender body with a pale blue-green coloration and iridescent blue highlights along its sides. Known for peaceful and timid behavior, typically...
Banggai Cardinalfish
Overview Endemic to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, typically inhabiting shallow reefs and seagrass beds. Recognizable for its distinctive silver body, bold black vertical stripes, and white spots. Calm and peaceful nature, making it suitable for community reef...
Maroon Clownfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly inhabiting coral reefs and lagoon areas. Recognizable by its deep maroon coloration with distinctive white or yellowish vertical bands. Known for bold personality, territorial nature, and striking appearance. Popular among...
Longnose Hawkfish
Goldspecs Jawfish
Overview Found in various marine environments worldwide. Known for their characteristic large mouths and burrowing behavior. They have elongated bodies and are often colorful. Jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of building and inhabiting burrows....
Rosenblatt’s Jawfish
Flame Hawkfish
Firefish Goby
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their striking appearance with elongated dorsal and caudal fin rays, and vibrant coloration, typically red, white, and yellow. They have a slender body and a peaceful demeanor. Magnificent dartfish are often seen...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Decorated Dartfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their elegant appearance with elongated dorsal fin rays and vibrant coloration, often including shades of purple, red, and white. They have a slender body and a peaceful demeanor. Decorated dartfish are often seen...
Phantom Bannerfish
Masked Bannerfish
Longfin Bannerfish
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Redbarred Hawkfish
Coral Hawkfish
Falco Hawkfish
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Half Black Angelfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Crowned Toby
Compressed Toby
Ambon Puffer
Black-Spotted Pufferfish
Guineafowl Pufferfish
Map Pufferfish
Immaculate Pufferfish
Narrow-Lined Pufferfish
Masked Pufferfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Percula Clownfish
Ocellaris Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
